The Love of Her Lives: A BRAND NEW unforgettable and utterly emotional summer romance (Must-read Romances) by C.J. CONNOLLY

Author:C.J. CONNOLLY [CONNOLLY, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe books romantic fiction
Published: 2024-06-13T00:00:00+00:00

Early June, seven years ago

“Congratulations again, both of you! We couldn’t be more proud.”

Frank lifted his flute of champagne high, and we clinked glasses across the long table.

“Yeah, congrats. Welcome to adulthood,” Ben added, giving Bonnie a wink and me a warm grin.

My mother, sitting regally in a flowing tie-dye dress at the other end of the table, took a silent sip of her champagne, bangles jingling.

Ange added, “That arena is something else, huh? I bet you’ve seen a lot of games there.” The School of Communication undergraduate convocation ceremony had been held at the university’s arena, where the Northwestern Wildcats basketball team ruled.

“Sure,” I replied. “I mean, we’re not really team sports people, but the basketball games are fun.” I glanced at my mother, who was looking away, clearly not listening. “Go Wildcats,” I added, weakly.

Around us, the buzz of the packed Ten-Mile House restaurant was loud with other families also celebrating graduation day, many of us still in our robes. Mom would be finding the noise hard — she was never good at dealing with busy places and high levels of ambient sound. She’d clearly been deeply uncomfortable in the arena during the ceremony, and the experience had left her irritable and distracted.

I made eye contact and gave her a small smile, which she returned, wordlessly and with little enthusiasm.

If only she would make more of an effort in front of the Masons. But social situations like this were tough for her, I got that. Deep down, I knew she was proud of me for graduating from a top-tier university, even if she wasn’t especially vocal about it.

She was here, after all. She hadn’t made an excuse not to come to Chicago for the ceremony, which I had half-expected. She’d even put up the money for the two of us to stay in a downtown hotel this weekend, before she headed back to Indianapolis on Monday. That was very generous of her, considering her paltry income. And considering she was quite obviously offended that I’d chosen to move in with the Masons until I found a job, instead of moving back to Indy with her after school ended.

So, yeah, her effort wasn’t much, but it wasn’t nothing. I’d take it.

“What’s the plan now, Millie?” Ange asked, warm affection coating her voice. “Where’s our girl taking her life next?”

At the foot of the table, Mom twisted her mouth into a tiny smirk at the phrase “our girl.”

I ignored her, and turned to Ange.

“Get a job, I guess, so I can get out of your hair.” I laughed. “I’m sure you don’t want me living with you the entire summer.” Ange lifted her hand to protest, but I placed mine over her arm. “No, really. I’m so grateful for your generosity, but I can’t stay with you forever.”

After dorms closed two weeks ago, I’d moved my meager possessions into the Masons’ guest room, as Bonnie moved back into her childhood bedroom. It was a fun time, and Ben was often at the house — usually when Amber was busy doing something else.

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